JackieHarris well there were 70 of the last lot of Tory MPs who wanted out of Europe. Hence Camerons referendum offer. So if you are an insider Tory, tell us all about it. I asked my Tory MP and he said "we are not discussing that at the moment" Pity

1. The outcome is by no means certain. 2. If God help us Labour do win then I can't see them replacing their leader for at least 3-4 years because in the main a change in prime minister generally leads to a general election and they won't want that.

Jim isn't actually "in charge of" anything, despite what his publicity says. There is, for example, no "Scottish Labour" for him to lead, or for him to issue a separate manifesto. He certainly won't be writing anyone's budget, and if he is re-elected as MP for East Renfrewshire he'll have no say whatsoever over how the Scottish gvt spends it's money.

In short, he lies, lies and lies again - and shouts "Fuck off, fuck off, fuck off" in the face of other MPs. (Well, OK, one other MP.) He's an absolute disgrace to himself and to the Labour party generally.

Replacing the leader who has just won the election for you is constitutionally possible, but politically extremely heavy weather. There's been a shift since the days of gentlemanly handovers (thinking of Eden, MacMillan, Wilson). Look at the drama around Gordon Brown taking over. The electorate don't like it, and if they win, I seriously doubt Labour would consider it.

If Ed wins, then they will have to be verysurprised damned grateful to him and stick with him, at least for one term. I could see Andy Burnham having appeal, in the long run. I don't know much about Yvette Cooper, but her choice of partner shows very questionable judgment.

Loads of people like him. It's the right wing press and the people influenced by it who don't. I think a lot of the left doubted him (and his ability to win the electorate over) prior to the campaign but he has done really well this campaign so far and I think he might win, though he won't get an outright majority. I would be verysurprised if they replaced him once PM for at least a term.

If it weren't for Scotland, I'm pretty sure that Ed would get a decent majority. However, for whatever reason, he isn't getting through to people there. I read that even David Cameron is seen as a better leader by most Scottish voters.

Why would you want to replace him? Haven't been on the politics thread for ages so was surprised to see this. I think Ed is Labours best chance. I liked him from the start but he has really grown in to the role as leader and I really couldn't imagine anyone else doing it.

In 2010, it was thought that Labour would be out of power for a generation and whoever succeeded Brown would be a caretaker leader only. The fact that the polls are neck and neck (despite a very negative press) and the party is pretty united, is a remarkable achievement. There's no way Ed would be replaced if he won.